March 29, 2024

Judy Murray serves up Local Legends for Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight

Tennis ace Judy Murray is kick-starting this year’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight celebrations with an Instagram cook-a-long from Dunblane’s Cromlix Hotel this Sunday (6th September).

Now in its 11th year, the Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight takes place from Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th September. The annual celebration aims to shine a spotlight on the suppliers, products and people who contribute to Scotland’s £15bn food and drink industry.

Chef Darin Campbell and Judy Murray at Cromlix Hotel

This year’s Fortnight focuses on the Local Legends who have kept our stomachs and fridges full throughout the Coronavirus lockdown and beyond, and who continue to make Scotland’s larder the envy of the world.

Due to ongoing restrictions related to Coronavirus, many of this year’s Fortnight events will take place online, kicked off by Judy Murray. 

Mother of Wimbledon Champions Andy and Jamie Murray, Judy will host an Instagram cook-a-long on Sunday morning from the kitchen of the Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane where Scottish sourced ingredients are a central focus of the menu.

Judy’s cook-a-long will be the first in a series alongside other interactive content with well-known chefs, restaurants, celebrities and social media influencers.

Judy Murray said: “In Scotland, we’re so lucky to be blessed with such brilliant ingredients and a vibrant industry full of talented and hard-working people. I’m thrilled to get behind the Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight campaign to celebrate the people and products that make Scotland’s produce the best in the world.

“With the help of the amazing chefs at Cromlix, I’ll be making a deliciously decadent Cranachan for my Instagram cook-a-long on Sunday morning. I’ll also be keeping an eye out for recipe inspiration and new products to try throughout the Fortnight.”

James Withers, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry has been hard-hit during the Coronavirus pandemic. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we, as consumers, support Scottish producers and buy Scottish products.

“Unlike the previous ten years of the Fortnight, this year things have to be done a little bit differently to keep everyone safe. The range of online cook-a-longs, events and other activity is a fantastic way for us all to connect with each other and incredible people and brands that drive the industry.

“As one of Scotland’s most innovative sectors, the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through it has helped many businesses adapt to the challenges faced by Coronavirus. The recovery may be drawn out, but I have no doubt that with such a resilient industry and a public appetite to support local suppliers, that Scottish food and drink will continue to excel.

“Now, more than ever, we’re seeing a real and tangible pride in our food and drink and the Fortnight is a fantastic way for anyone and everyone to get involved.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “In recent years, the food and drink sector has been one of our strongest economic success stories, particularly for our rural economy. And throughout the COVID-19 pandemic it has stepped up to ensure we all have access good food, often in very challenging circumstances. In these difficult times, we have also seen remarkable resilience, creativity and innovation from the sector.

“As we look to the future, it is vital that we continue to support recovery and growth. Working together with industry, we will launch a joint recovery plan to stimulate demand for Scottish products and support businesses to capitalise on new opportunities.

“This year’s Fortnight is another a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the world-class food and drink produced right here in Scotland and toast the people behind the industry. I encourage everyone to support our producers by buying local and getting involved in the virtual activities taking place over the next two weeks.”

This year’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight takes place between 5 – 20 September and aims to encourage more people than ever to source, buy, eat and promote Scottish food and drink.

For information on how to get involved with Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight please visit fooddrinkfort.scot  

For all the latest cook-a-long, online events, recipes and profiles of Local Legends, follow @scotfooddrink on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.